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Volunteer Center Sponsors 911 Day of Rememberance and Service

The Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County is partnering with the Ocean Conservancy, Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks, Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails, the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen Action Group, the Severn River Association and the Spa Creek Conservancy to honor Marylanders who have given their lives in service to America and to lend support to ridding the Maryland World War II Memorial and Jonas Green Park of debris, as well as to curtail and clean up stormwater runoff polluting the Severn River.     

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, September 11th, a brief ceremony and moment of silence for 9/11 victims will be held at the Maryland WWII Memorial on RT 450 at the Severn River overlook, followed by teams of volunteers collecting debris around the Memorial and then heading to the park to continue their efforts.  At the same time, midshipmen and other volunteers will undertake stormwater and erosion control projects at Jonas Green Park. Those initiatives will entail creating three rain gardens in the upper parking area and working in the lower parking area to re-direct stormwater flow into established rain garden swales. Work will conclude at noon. A pouring rain date is Sunday, September 12th. Wegmans is providing water and snacks. 

The Ocean Conservancy’s portion of the day is the “International Coastal Cleanup.” It is billed as the world’s largest volunteer event of its kind. Last year over 400,000 volunteers from 102 countries and 42 states cleared almost seven million pounds of trash from oceans and waterways, recording every piece collected. Student and other volunteers this year will do the same. In our area, there will be a cleanup at Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena on September 18, 9 a.m. You must register in advance to participate at this page of the Ocean Conservancy's website.

For those interested in volunteering, please contact:  info@volunteerannearundel.org. Pre-registration is required. Opportunities for community service credits are available. Students between the ages of 14 and 17 must have written parental permission. Those under 14 must not only have written parental permission, but a parent on site as well. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes or boots (no flip flops or jellies), bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and gloves. Equipment, water and snacks will be provided. Parking is strongly recommended at the WWII Memorial on RT 450. For more information call 410-897-9207.

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"Midday on the Bay" Radio Podcast with Dan Rodricks featuring Severn Riverkeeper® Fred Kelly, Patuxent Riverkeeper® Fred Tutman, and Chesapeake Bay Journal's Rona Kobell
The program first aired August 12
Listen

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Funding Opportunities

The Chesapeake Bay Trust and partners present two funding opportunities for requests within the Watershed Assistance Grant Program (WAGP).  This program is one element of the State of Maryland’s Watershed Assistance Collaborative. The Watershed Assistance Collaborative includes other opportunities for local governments and non-profit organizations, such as training events and programs for watershed restoration financing and planning.

WAGP - Watershed Planning and Project Design
The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcome requests for technical planning and design assistance associated with protection and restoration programs and projects that lead to improved water quality in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the Maryland Coastal Bays. The funding partners invite local governments and non-profit organizations to submit requests for this assistance. The purpose of this assistance is to help grantees accomplish the earliest phases of restoration projects.

WAGP Special Opportunity - Chesapeake Bay Green Street-Green Jobs Initiative
The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of the Environment are partnering with the United States Environmental Protection Agency for a special funding opportunity for green streets and other urban green infrastructure projects. This partnership is soliciting proposals for urban green infrastructure-driven technical planning and design assistance associated with watershed restoration projects.  

For more information on either funding opportunities, please click here. To apply to the program, applicants must submit proposals using our Online Grants System, located at www.cbtrustgrants.org by 5:00 pm on September 24, 2010.

For information, contact any of these people:
Chesapeake Bay Trust, Hieu Truong, htruong@cbtrust.org, 410 974-2941 ext. 112
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Carrie Decker, 410 260-8723, cdecker@dnr.state.md.us
Jennifer Raulin, 410 260-8745, jraulin@dnr.state.md.us
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Susan McDowell, 215 814-2739, mcdowell.susan@epa.gov

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Latest Sewage Spill: Dividing Creek in Arnold Closed Aug. 2 and reopened Aug. 9

On August 2, the County Department of Health ordered an emergency closing and warned against swimming, jet skiing and other direct water contact at Dividing Creek in Arnold due to a wastewater overflow of 14,800 gallons. The overflow occurred on the afternoon of August 1 and was caused by a force main break in the 700 block of Dividing Creek Road in Arnold. Read more.UPDATE--

On August 9, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health reopened Dividing Creek. "Results of samples collected at Twin Harbors and at Manhattan Beach on Dividing Creek have met acceptable standards for swimming, water skiing and other direct water contact. Acceptable levels are determined by the County Department of Health, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," according to the Department advisory. For more information, visit www.aahealth.org or call the Water Quality Line, 410-222-7999.

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Be a Watershed Steward

The Watershed Stewards Academy trains and supports community leaders to serve as Master Watershed Stewards in the protection, restoration and conservation of our watersheds, working to reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff in Anne Arundel County. If you are willing to assume an active role with a strong commitment to improving the environment and the quality of life of your community, apply to the Watershed Stewards Academy and become a Master Watershed Steward. Several informational sessions are planned at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. See our calendar. Applications will be accepted through September 8. Questions? Contact Suzanne Etgen, 443 871-0700, or visit the WSA website.

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From the South River Federation
ACT NOW!
Public Comment Period on O'Malley's Plan to Save Chesapeake Oysters Draws Near

Gov. Martin O'Malley is proposing an ambitious plan to save the oysters by expanding sanctuaries, where commercial harvesting would be prohibited. Let's help him make it happen.

The public comment period on this draft plan will end soon. Sadly, many oystermen are opposing the sanctuary expansion because they don't want any new restrictions on harvesting, even though it will help their industry in the long run by replenishing the dwindling oyster population. Please add your voice in support of the governor's plan. Click here to learn more.

The Oyster Restoration Plan will increase oyster no-take zones from nine percent of the remaining oyster bar habitat to 25 percent, protecting 18,000 additional acres. As opponents try to weaken this plan, let's show Gov. O'Malley he has our support. Click here to show your approval of the plan.

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Wanted: Oyster Gardeners in the Magothy and the South Rivers

The Magothy River Association and the South River Federation, in conjunction with the state sponsored "Marylanders Grow Oysters" program, is recruiting oyster gardeners for the 2010-2011 season. If you have access to a pier on the Magothy or South Rivers, and can spare a few minutes every week or so, you can do this. The MGO program is free to all participants. Magothy Info | South River Information

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New Report Shows Oysters Are Getting Tougher

A new Chesapeake Bay Foundation report finds that Chesapeake Bay oysters are developing natural resistance to the diseases that have so devastated the Bay's oyster population in recent decades. Read more.

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Great Valley Water Resources Science Forum
Sept. 15-17, Shepherdstown, WV

Join experts and regional and local officials to discuss land use policy and learn about issues that matter most in protecting environmentally sensitive lands and water quality. Read more.

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Governor's Buy Local Cook-Off

Our friend, Chef Rita Calvert, is blogging about Governor Martin O'Malley's cookout at the Governor's Mansion last week kicking off "Buy Local" week. She says, "The cookout chefs were those who won a competition using the best of Maryland farm's produce, meat, seafood, dairy and food products to serve to the invited guests." For more, including a free, downloadable cookbook of the great recipes, read Rita's blog.

The photo is of Jeanne Dietz-Band, founder of Many Rocks Farm.  She contributed goat meat for Washington County Head Buttin' Goat Chili featuring Eye of Goat Beans. There is a link to the recipe in the blog.

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Team DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking interested adults to become TEAM (Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland) volunteers. The volunteers’ mission is to educate students about the Chesapeake Bay and other Maryland environmental issues. Volunteers should have an out-going personality and a strong desire to protect the Chesapeake Bay. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Currently, TEAM offers schools-free classroom programs on the following topics: Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Streams, Oyster Reefs, Horseshoe Crabs, and Chesapeake Watermen. For information contact Amy Henry at410-260-8828 or ahenry@dnr.state.md.us. Website: www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/teamdnr.

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DNR's Annual Photo Contest

Calling all amateurs, professionals and student photographers: Enter your photos of Maryland’s rich natural and recreational resources – water, wildlife, farms, fields, parks, animals, insects, forests and protected areas -- into the 2010 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest for a chance to win some terrific prizes! Read more.

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Annapolis Environmental Commission Asks for Support of Market House Eco-Niche
Support Us to Make a Difference for Annapolis!

The Annapolis Environmental Commission (AEC) needs your support to establish an Eco-Niche in the Market House. The Mayor asked for proposals, which were due April 23. On Friday, May 14, he auditioned AEC’s proposal, along with 14 others, from a variety of businesses, asking for input from the public. 

For those who may not be familiar with us, the mission of the City’s volunteer Environmental Commission, which is appointed by the Mayor is “to protect and improve the natural health and welfare of the environment of the City of Annapolis through public education, community service, and participation in environmental policy.”

To help boost Annapolis as a thriving, sustainable community to area residents and visitors alike, the AEC submitted a proposal to establish an Eco-Education Input and Outreach Niche in the Market House that will be a bustling center for eco-meets, information, education, and hands-on demos on environmentally friendly practices.

We concur with the Mayor that “there is no more important place to begin to revitalize Annapolis than the Market House.” Please let Mayor Cohen know that you support the Eco-Niche and send him and the AEC your comments and suggestions. Together, we can make this dream of a focal point and catalyst for all things healthy and sustainable – right in the heart of Annapolis – a reality.

To read the proposals, go to annapolis.gov. To respond to the Mayor’s blog, go to www.MayorCohen.com. To respond to the AEC, email environment@annapolis.gov.

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Commercial Recycling Program Begins in Annapolis

The long-awaited program is underway. Read all about it.

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Got Phragmites?

Researchers have afound that the invasive species spreads in several different ways. Read more.

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Recycle your Ink Cartridges

Office Depot will give you $3 in Rewards per recycled cartridge if you are a member of its Worklife Rewards program. Information

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Herrington on the Bay Eco-Lifestyle Events is now the first Chesapeake Bay Green Caterer

Herrington on the Bay Eco-Lifestyle Events is now the first Chesapeake Bay Caterer in Maryland to achieve Green Certification as awarded by the nation's Green Restaurant Association.

The Green Restaurant Association of the United States has been certifying restaurants and caterers in their operations and business practices since 1990. This first level of certification sets a milestone for Herrington on the Bay. But, Anna Chaney Willman, Herrington on the Bay's founder and operator is not stopping here!

A leader in environmentally sensitive business practices, Herrington on the Bay sets the standard for caterers in Maryland. In 2009, Herrington on the Bay signed a five year contract with the Green Restaurant Association (GRA). This allows the GRA to monitor and require Herrington's continuous advancement in green and sustainable operations. Herrington on the Bay's next goal is to achieve the second level of certification with the GRA by 2014. By 2020, Herrington on the Bay expects to attain the highest level of certificiation, the  Four Star Green Certification. 

Kara Sergeant of the Green Restaurant Association noted that Herrington on the Bay has done exceptionally well in the Energy and Chemical Reduction categories. To attain certification, an entity must earn points in a variety of categories totalling a minimum of 100 points. Then, for each level thereafter, additional points must be earned with the top level requiring 300+ points. Ms. Sergeant commented that Herrington's 2003 investment in a tankless water heater 2002 investment in energy efficient ice makers, motion sensored lights, and aerated water faucets are just some of Herrington's more aggressive initiatives. She also noted that Herrington is dedicated to using re-manufactured ink cartridges, Bay Safe Cleaners, 100% post consumer recycled paper supplies, and promotes their recycling program to their clients as well as their staff.   

To learn more about Herrington on the Bay and the Green Restaurant Association's certification requirements, go to DineGreen.org and search keyword "herrington." 

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Who are Sustainable Annapolis' Certified Environmental Stewards?
The categories are auto, lodging, office/retail, and restaurants.

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Scholarships at Anne Arundel Community College
The Magothy River Association has endowed two scholarship funds at Anne Arundel Community College. They are for residents of the County who are students in good standing in an environmental science program. The scholarships are available to all qualified students, including incoming first year students. Applications are available during September and January of each year. For more information contact the Science Division at AACC (410) 777-2260 or president@magothyriver.org.

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Eco-Tour of Annapolis by Bicycle Reprise - POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING
Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., all over Annapolis
Update: The dismal weather forecast for this weekend has caused us to postpone our ride until warmer weather arrives in Spring.

We are teaming up with the Chesapeake Outdoor Group for this tour, led by Steve Carr, Mayor Moyer's environmental consultant. It will leave from City Hall (160 Duke of Gloucester) and cover the city's public and private environmental sites. There will be a stop for lunch (on you) at West Gate Circle (where there are several restaurants) and the tour will end at The Rockfish restaurant in Eastport (Sixth Street at Severn Avenue).

Riders coming by car can park in the Hillman Parking Garage, which is accessed from DOG Street and is next door to City Hall.

There is no cost for the trip, but participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver. Helmets are required at all times.

The tour ends The Rockfish Restaurant, the city's first Green-certified restaurant. This stop takes place around 4 p.m. and is optional. Everyone pays his or her own way. People who are tired and just want to go home can ride back to the garage from there and get their cars or ride home. It will be getting dark at the end of the tour, so people consider bringing along a bike light, for the short ride back to the parking garage after the Rockfish stop.

Please keep in mind that people are free to bail at any point. The natural cutoff point for those not wishing to do the whole thing, and wanting to only do a half-day trip, is to go left on Bay Ridge when we come to the Tyler Avenue intersection. The rest of the group will be going right on Bay Ridge Avenue, heading to the Back Creek Nature Park.

We're limited to 10 people (for safety reasons) so if you want to go, please email us right away. Minimum age to participate is 14. If you'd like to go and don't have a bike, we can direct you to a rental company. Tour Map Page 1 (big file) | Tour Map Page 2 | RSVP | You must register by December 4. Note: If the weather is bad, we won't go because this is supposed to be fun. Please include your cell number so we can notify you in case of cancellation.

Thank you to Steve Carr who provided this great tour for us on November 14. Here's a testimonial in the form of a letter sent to the mayor by one of the participants.

I want to commend Steve Carr for an absolutely wonderful job this weekend. My wife and I participated in the Eco-Tour by Bicycle organized by Elvia Thompson from Annapolis Green.

We have attended several green related events regarding solar energy, solar hot water, greening our home, The EnviroCenter, USGBC, AIA, CBF tour and LEED presentations and we both have our respective businesses listed on the Maryland Green Registry. So essentially, we know a little bit about various environmental issues.

The Eco-Tour was an enormously wonderful event. The weather, the ride and more importantly Steve's depth of knowledge, information and insights, made for a memorable and inspiring experience. His tour was the best and most informative of any that we've attended.

Steve delivered environmental content with a clear message, discussed the relationship of environmentalism with daily activities, and explained the social and political process of all the wonderful projects that have been completed by the City of Annapolis. He is a great ambassador for the environment and the City of Annapolis.

Equally impressive is how Annapolis not only ranks as one of the top green cities, but also is moving ahead to raise the bar even higher.

Sincerely,
Karl & Katrina Wagner

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Anne Arundel County Facilities to Stop Using High-Phosphate Fertilizer
Move will decrease harmful nutrients washing into waterways

Annapolis (October 13, 2009) - County Executive John R. Leopold today announced that County agencies will no longer use high-phosphorus fertilizer in an effort to decrease the amount of nutrients entering waterways.

Phosphates are a source of pollution in creeks, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, County Executive Leopold said. We must do everything we can to reduce our use of this nutrient and also set an example to our residents that we need to change our behavior in order to fix our broken waterways.

High-phosphorus fertilizer is normally used as a starter fertilizer to grow grass. In 2008 over a six-month period, for example, the Department of Recreation and Parks purchased 95,000 pounds of fertilizer with a phosphorous content of 19 percent. All future purchases will contain less than five percent phosphorous. The County's move to low-phosphorous products is consistent with the goals in the state's Chesapeake Bay Phosphorus Reduction Act of 2009, which bans sales of high-phosphorus products for certain uses as of April 2011.

Equally important with this issue is the proper application of fertilizer to reduce runoff, County Executive Leopold said. The lawn should be lightly watered after application, and any fertilizer spilled on impervious surfaces should be promptly cleaned up. We can all make a difference in the health of our waterways. 

More information: David Abrams, Anne Arundel County Office of Public Information, 410 222-1288, 410 693-0672

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City of Annapolis is Collecting Wine Corks for Recycling

A number of Annapolis' restaurants, wine bars and package stores will participate in the recycling effort by collecting corks from wine sold or served to their customers. Boatyard Bar & Grill, the Breeze Restaurant in Loews Hotel, Café Normandie, Galway Bay, Lewnes Steakhouse and The Rockfish will all take part in the recycling effort.

Residents can recycle too by collecting corks from their homes, or making it a community effort and collect corks from the neighborhood.

Just drop off the corks in the wooden wine barrel available in the lobby of City Hall or at Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits, B. B. Bistro, Eastport Liquors, Leeward Market or Mills Fine Wine. The corks will be collected for recycling through the end of October.      

The corks will be recycled by TerraCycle, an eco-friendly innovator who will be "upcycling" the used corks, both natural and synthetic, into bulletin boards. It is estimated that 15 billion wine corks are thrown out each year in the United States, enough to circle the earth 16 times. Last year Annapolitans collected an estimated 15,000 corks. For additional information please contact Maria Broadbent, Environmental Coordinator at 410-263-7946.

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Annapolis architect Scott L. Rand and his client have achieved a platinum LEED rating on a corporate headquarters building at 217 International Circle, in Hunt Valley. More info: 410 263-5860.

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NOAA Interpretive Buoy to be Deployed on the Severn

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EPA Website on Chesapeake Bay's Total Maximum Daily Load - aka the Pollution Diet

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Marylanders Plant Trees - Plant and be counted (and save $25)

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Calling Magothy River Fans

Volunteers are needed to confirm and track sightings of Dark False Mussels. These are the mysterious small animals that cleared up Magothy River water a few years ago. The Magothy River Association is seeking help in placing "spat plates" to which these critters (and oysters) can attach. To participate or for more information contact Magothy River Association president Paul Spadaro. To learn more about the Dark False Mussels in the Magothy River check out MRA’s Community Science Dark False Mussel survey at this link. This eight-minute video was produced by MRA Dive Coordinator Dick Carey.

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Julie is "Scooping" Her Way to Better Water Quality.

Our friend Julie Winters was featured in a story in The Capital recently about her project to install pet waste stations to make it easier for dog owners to pickup and dispose of "doggie poop" in a safe way so it doesn't make its way into our waterways. Read the story about Julie and her project. Photo courtesy Joshua McKerrow, The Capital

 

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Annapolis' Renewable Energy Park - Updates

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Waypoint Signs Point Residents to Environmental Locations

Annapolis launched new educational signage highlighting various educational environmental locations. The waypoints are sets of coordinates, enabling anyone to enter the data in their GPS and get the directions to the environmental location by car, motor scooter, or bicycle. The Waypoint Signs include a Main Sign located at Annapolis' City Dock on the Harbor Master building.  Smaller remote signs are at each featured location. The Main Sign shows the individual sites, GPS coordinates for each location, a brief description of the technologies highlighted, and a legend listing the technologies. The technologies refer to environmental "best practices" such as green roofs, pervious surfaces, rain barrels, LEED buildings, etc in use at each location. An educational brochure on the Waypoint Sign Initiative is available at the Annapolis Visitors kiosk at City Dock, the Visitors Center on West Street, at City Hall, and available on  the City's website at www.annapolis.gov. 

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Wind Energy at Greenbury Point

State Delegate Ron George (R, District 30, Annapolis) proposed last year that Greenbury Point, where the radio towers are in Annapolis Harbor, be the site of a wind energy farm. Since that time he has been working with Navy officials to move this idea along. Read his update.

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Support Local Watermen

Steamed hard crabs by the dozen or bushel, crab cake sandwiches, steamed shrimp and more is availble in the Maritime Republic of Eastport, Annapolis at Wild Country Seafood, 124 Bay Shore Drive (just off Second Street, near Back Creek). Support this local family, running the last workboat out of Back Creek.

Annapolis City Council Adopts Resolution Supporting Chesapeake Bay Foundation

In March, the City Council adopted Resolution R-16-09 supporting CBF's efforts to enforce the Clean Water Act and the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement and to reiterate the City's commitment to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. It was introduced by Alderman Dave Cordle and co-sponsored by Mayor Ellen Moyer and Aldermen Ross Arnett and Sam Shropshire. Read the resolution.

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Lynne & Elvia Meet Ed Begley, Jr.

Actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr., introduced as a "star of the planet" spoke at an event hosted by the Historic Annapolis Foundation on April 6, sharing his insights on environmentally responsible living. He characterized his talk as one of hope for the future. An entertaining speaker, Ed (he is such a nice and unassuming guy, you just have to call him Ed) he cited the many environmental problems we face, from air and water pollution to the ozone hole, to the loss of amphibians and fish, but he said that we can all make a difference and turn things around. He spoke of the changes he began to make in his own life on the first Earth Day back in the 1970s and stressed that living sustainably is a good economic decision. Ed advised people to go Green as they can afford it. He stressed recycling and reusing. "We can't just throw things away anymore," he said, discussing how landfills are filling up. "Where is away?" he asked. "If you're not buying recycled, then you're not really recycling." To learn more about Ed's environmental work, his book and TV show, Living with Ed, visit his website.
Photo: Lynne and Elvia with Ed Begley, Jr. He's a lot taller than we are